Packers approved 5-year labor contract, Tyson Fresh Meats

The deal solidified raises of $1.60 per hour over the terms of the agreement for more than 3,500 union packers employed by Tyson Foods Inc.

The contract took effect immediately and according to the release, the pay bump raises the plant’s top hourly wage to $18.15 for processing and $16.80 for slaughter. Top maintenance pay over the course of the contract is $19.95 per hour. The union members agreed to work all scheduled hours and adhere to the plant’s safety protocol.

The deal also elevated starting pay for beef processing to $13.92 per hour, $14.10 per hour for slaughter and maintenance worker starting pay is $17.55 per hour. The workers are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

“We believe the new contract will benefit our team members and help ensure the continued success of the Dakota City beef complex,” said Bruce Pautsch, vice president of human resources operations for Tyson Fresh Meats.

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He said the meat company works closely with the local union and has done so for years.